Clinical and genetic characteristics of 12 cases of Loeys-Dietz syndrome / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To summarize the clinical features and spectrum of genetic variants in 12 patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS), and to explore the correlation between the type of genetic variants and clinical phenotypes.@*METHODS@#Twelve patients suspected for LDS at Beijing Anzhen Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from January 2015 to January 2022 were selected as the study subjects. Clinical data of the patients were collected. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood samples and subjected to genetic testing. Pathogenicity of candidate variants was analyzed.@*RESULTS@#The clinical phenotypes of the 12 patients have mainly included cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, craniofacial, skin, ocular and other systemic signs. Four patients (patients 5-1, 5-2, 6, 7) have carried heterozygous missense variants of the TGFBR1 gene, 5 patients (patients 1-1, 1-2, 2, 3, 4) have carried heterozygous variants of the TGFBR2 gene, and 2 patients (patients 8-1, 8-2) had carried heterozygous frameshift variants of the TGFB3 gene. One patient (patient 9) had carried a heterozygous missense variant of the SMAD3 gene. Among these, TGFBR1 c.603T>G (p.1201M) and TGFB3 c.536delA (p.H179FS35) had not been reported previously.@*CONCLUSION@#Variants of the TGFBR1, TGFBR2, SMAD3, TGFB2, TGFB3 and SMAD2 genes are mainly associated with LDS. The severity of the disease phenotype caused by the same variant may vary, whilst the clinical phenotype caused by different variant sites may be specific.

Expression of Twist1, SIRT1, FGF2 and TGF-β3 genes and its regulatory effect on the proliferation of placenta, umbilical cord and dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the mRNA level of cell proliferation-related genes Twist1, SIRT1, FGF2 and TGF-β3 in placenta mesenchymal stem cells (PA-MSCs), umbilical cord mensenchymals (UC-MSCs) and dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells (DP-MSCs).@*METHODS@#The morphology of various passages of PA-MSCs, UC-MSCs and DP-MSCs were observed by microscopy. Proliferation and promoting ability of the three cell lines were detected with the MTT method. Real-time PCR (RT-PCR) was used to determine the mRNA levels of Twist1, SIRT1, FGF2, TGF-β3.@*RESULTS@#The morphology of UC-MSCs and DP-MSCs was different from that of PA-MSCs. Proliferation ability and promoting ability of the PA-MSCs was superior to that of UC-MSCs and DP-MSCs. In PA-MSCs, expression level of Twist1 and TGF-β3 was the highest and FGF2 was the lowest. SIRT1 was highly expressed in UC-MSCs. With the cell subcultured, different expression levels of Twist1, SIRT1, FGF2, TGF-β3 was observed in PA-MSCs, UC-MSCs and DP-MSCs.@*CONCLUSION@#Up-regulated expression of the Twist1, SIRT1 and TGF-β3 genes can promote proliferation of PA-MSCs, UC-MSCs and DP-MSCs, whilst TGF-β3 may inhibit these. The regulatory effect of Twist1, SIRT1, FGF2 and TGF-β3 genes on PA-MSCs, UC-MSCs and DP-MSCs are different.

Gait analysis combined with the expression of TGF-β1, TGF-β3 and CREB during Achilles tendon healing in rat / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

PURPOSE@#To observe the changes of gait behavior and the expression of wound healing factors of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), TGF-β3 and cAMP response element binding protein-1 (CREB-1) during the healing of Achilles tendon in a rat model, and to investigate whether gait analysis can be used to evaluate the tendon healing.@*METHODS@#Achilles tendon of 40 healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were transected and sutured to establish the Achilles tendon injury (ATI) model. They were randomly divided into 4 groups based on the observational time point at 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks after injury (n = 10 for each group). Before modeling, 9 rats were randomly selected for CatWalk gait analysis, which contained step cycle, single stance time and average speed. Data were recorded as the normal controls. After then, ATI models were established in the left hind limbs of the all 40 rats (ATI group), while the right hind limbs were only cut and sutured without injury of the Achilles tendon (sham operation group). At 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks after injury, the gait behavior of the corresponding group of rats (n = 9) as observed and recorded by CatWalk platform. After then, the rats were sacrificed and Achilles tendon of both limbs was harvested. The tendon healing was observed by gross anatomy and histological examination, and the protein and mRNA expression of TGF-β1, TGF-β3, CREB-1 were observed by immunohistochemistry and qPCR. The results of tendon gross grading were analyzed by Wilcoxon rank sum test, and other data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance among multiple groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared with normal controls, all gait indexes (step cycle, single stance time and average speed) were greatly affected following ATI, which however improved with time. The step cycle was significantly lower at 1, 2 and 4 weeks after ATI (compared with normal controls, all p  0.05). The single stance time of the ATI group was significantly shorter at 1 and 2 weeks after operation ((0.078 ± 0.010) s at 1 week, (0.078 ± 0.020) s at 2 weeks, all p < 0.001) and revealed no significant difference at 4 weeks (p = 0.120). The average speed of ATI group at 1, 2, 4, 6 weeks was significantly lower than that in the normal control group (all p < 0.001). Gross observation showed that the grade of local scar adhesion in ATI group increased significantly at 2, 4 and 6 weeks, compared with the sham operation group (all p < 0.001). Extensive adhesion was formed at 6 weeks after ATI. The results of HE staining showed that the number of fibroblast increased gradually and arranged more orderly in ATI group at 1, 2 and 4 weeks (all p < 0.001), and decreased at 6 weeks, but it was still significantly higher than that of the sham operation group (p < 0.001). Immunohistochemistry showed that the positive expression of TGF-β1, TGF-β3, CREB-1 in ATI group was higher than that in the sham operation group at 4 time points (all p < 0.05), which reached the peak at 2 weeks after operation and decreased at 4 weeks (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, p = 0.041, respectively). The results of qPCR suggested that the mRNA expression of TGF-β1, TGF-β3, CREB-1 in ATI group was higher than that in the sham operation group at all-time points (all p < 0.05), which reached the peak at 2 weeks after operation, decreased at 4 weeks, and significantly decreased at 6 weeks (all p < 0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#Gait behavior indexes are associated with Achilles tendon healing. The study gives an insight of TGF-β1, TGF-β3, CREB-1 changes in the coursing of Achilles tendon healing and these cytokines may be able to be used to regulate the Achilles tendon healing.

Expression of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein in the synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To detect the expression of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) in the synovial chondromatosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJSC), and to discuss the possible interactions between COMP, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β3, TGF-β1 and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) in the development of this neoplastic disease.@*METHODS@#Patients in Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology from January 2011 to February 2020 were selected, who had complete medical records, TMJSC was verified histologically after operation. The expressions of COMP, TGF-β3, TGF-β1 and BMP-2 in the TMJSC of the temporomandibular joint were detected by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR) at the protein level and mRNA level respectively, compared with the normal synovial tissue of temporomandibular joint. The histological morphology, protein expression and distribution of TMJSC tissues were observed microscopically, and the positive staining proteins were counted and scored. SPSS 22.0 statistical software was used to analyze the expression differences between the related proteins in TMJSC tissue and the normal synovial tissue of temporomandibular joint and to compare their differences. P < 0.05 indicated that the difference was statistically significant.@*RESULTS@#Immunohistochemical results showed that the positive expression of COMP in TMJSC tissues was mostly found in synovial tissues and chondrocytes adjacent to synovial tissues, and the difference was statistically significant, compared with the normal temporomandibular joint synovial tissues. The positive expression of COMP was significantly different between recurrent TMJSC and non-recurrent ones. The positive expressions of TGF-β3, TGF-β1 and BMP-2 were higher than the normal synovial tissue, and were also mostly found in the synovial cells and adjacent chondrocytes, which was further confirmed by Western blot. According to the RT-PCR results, the expressions of COMP, TGF-β3, TGF-β1 and BMP-2 in TMJSC were higher than those in the normal synovial tissue.@*CONCLUSION@#The expression of COMP in TMJSC of temporomandibular joint increased significantly, compared with the normal synovial tissue. There may be interactions between COMP and cytokines related to the proliferation and differentiation, like TGF-β3, TGF-β1 and BMP-2, which may play a potential role in the pathogenesis of TMJSC.

Healing effect of andiroba-based emulsion in cutaneous wound healing via modulation of inflammation and transforming growth factor beta 3

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effects and mechanisms of andiroba-based emulsion (ABE) topical treatment on full-thickness cutaneous wounds in rats. Methods: The wounds were harvested on days 3, 7, 15, and 20 post-surgery. Wound contraction rate, quantitative immunohistochemistry [macrophages, myofibroblasts, capillaries, collagens (col) I and III, transforming growth factor β3β (TGFβ3)], and tensile strength were assessed. Results: Treated wounds were smaller, contracted earlier and had increased angiogenesis, fewer CD68+ and M2 macrophages on days 7 and 15, but higher on day 20. Myofibroblasts appeared on days 3 to 7 in untreated wounds and on days 7 to 15 in treated wounds. TGFβ3 levels were higher in the treated wounds, less dense collagen fibers, lower col I/III ratios and a higher tensile strength. Conclusion: These results demonstrate the important anti-inflammatory role of treatment and the associated modulation of macrophages, myofibroblasts, and TGFβ3 levels. Collagen fibers in the treated wounds were more organized and less dense, similar to unwounded skin, which likely contributed to the higher tensile strength.

Overexpression of YOD1 Promotes the Migration of Human Oral Keratinocytes by Enhancing TGF-β3 Signaling / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of YOD1 overexpression on the proliferation and migration of human oral keratinocytes (HOKs), and to clarify whether the mechanisms involve transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HOKs were transfected with the plasmid pEGFP-N3-YOD1 containing YOD1. The mRNA levels of YOD1 and TGF-β were determined by qPCR. The protein expressions of YOD1, TGF-β, Smad2/3, Smad4, and phospho-Smad2/3 were determined by western blotting. Cell proliferation and migration were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and wound healing assay, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The mRNA and protein levels of YOD1 were higher in HOKs transfected with YOD1. YOD1 overexpression significantly enhanced the migration of HOKs. The mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β3 were increased by YOD1 overexpression. HOKs transfected with YOD1 exhibited increased phospho-Smad2/3 levels.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>YOD1 overexpression enhances cell migration by promoting TGF-β3 signaling which may play an important role in lip and palate formation. YOD1 mutation may contribute to aberrant TGF-β3 signaling associated with decreased cell migration resulting in NSCLP.</p>

Experimental study on the transforming growth factor β3 combined with dental pulp stem cells in early bone integration of implant / 中华口腔医学杂志

To establish the experimental model of rabbit mandibular anterior implant repair and evaluate the effects of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β3 and dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) in promoting the bone integration of implant. The New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into experimental group, control group and blank group (6 rabbits for each group) . In the experimental group, the implant area was filled with the mixture of TGF-β3, DPSC and Bio-oss powder. In the control group, the implant area was filled with the mixture of DPSC and Bio-oss powder. In the blank group, the implant area was filled with the mixture of phosphate buffer solution and Bio-oss powder. Eighteen New Zealand rabbits were sacrificed in 2 weeks after procedure. The treated alveolar bone tissue was observed. The bone tissue around the implant were estimated by HE staining, immunocytochemical staining and real-time quantitative PCR. The implants were no shedding nor loose. HE staining shows the blank group had a sparse trabecular bone and a small amount of blood vessel around the implant and no obvious new bone formation. The control group showed that the bone trabecula around the implant was sparse and slender, the osteoblasts were arranged linearly around the trabecular bone, a small amount of new bone formation was found around the implant. In the experimental group, there were more thick and dense trabecular bone around the implant, the surrounding osteoblasts were arranged in clusters. The osteoblasts were active and many new bone formed. Typical bone lacunae, bone cells and a large number of new blood vessels can be observed. Immunohistochemistry showed that the proportion of average positive area in the experimental group, control group, blank group were (24.6±5.3) %, (11.3±2.8) % and (7.6±3.8) % respectively. The expression of bone sialoprotein in experimental group were significantly higher than the other 2 groups(0.000). Real-time quantitative PCR results showed that the expression level of Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), type Ⅰcollagen (COL-Ⅰ), alkaline phosphatase in the experimental group was higher than in the blank group. The expression level of RUNX2 and COL-Ⅰ in the experimental group was higher than that of the control group (0.023). TGF-β3 has potential to promote the transformation of DPSC into osteoblasts, which can promote the integration of bone around the implant.

Micromass cultures are effective for differentiation of human amniotic fluid stem cells into chondrocytes

OBJECTIVES: Articular cartilage is vulnerable to injuries and undergoes an irreversible degenerative process. The use of amniotic fluid mesenchymal stromal stem cells for the reconstruction of articular cartilage is a promising therapeutic alternative. The aim of this study was to investigate the chondrogenic potential of amniotic fluid mesenchymal stromal stem cells from human amniotic fluid from second trimester pregnant women in a micromass system (high-density cell culture) with TGF-β3 for 21 days. METHODS: Micromass was performed using amniotic fluid mesenchymal stromal stem cells previously cultured in a monolayer. Chondrocytes from adult human normal cartilage were used as controls. After 21 days, chondrogenic potential was determined by measuring the expression of genes, such as SOX-9, type II collagen and aggrecan, in newly differentiated cells by real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The production of type II collagen protein was observed by western blotting. Immunohistochemistry analysis was also performed to detect collagen type II and aggrecan. This study was approved by the local ethics committee. RESULTS: SOX-9, aggrecan and type II collagen were expressed in newly differentiated chondrocytes. The expression of SOX-9 was significantly higher in newly differentiated chondrocytes than in adult cartilage. Collagen type II protein was also detected. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate that stem cells from human amniotic fluid are a suitable source for chondrogenesis when cultured in a micromass system. amniotic fluid mesenchymal stromal stem cells are an extremely viable source for clinical applications, and our results suggest the possibility of using human amniotic fluid as a source of mesenchymal stem cells.

MMP13, TIMP2 and TGFB3 Gene Polymorphisms in Brazilian Chronic Periodontitis and Periimplantitis Subjects

Abstract Subjects susceptible to chronic periodontitis (CP) show a high risk for the development of peiimplantitis (PI). Both diseases are multifactorial, presenting similarities in their pathophysiology and polygenic profile. MMP-13 (matrix metalloproteinases 13/ collagenase 3) is a collagenolytic enzyme, which expression is induced by TGF beta 3 (transforming growth factor type 3) in human gingival fibroblasts and inhibited by TIMP-2 (tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase type 2). The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of peiimplantitis (PI) in subjects with history of chronic periodontitis (CP) and polymorphisms frequency in MMP13, TIMP2 and TGFB3 genes. One hundred and sixty-three volunteers received dental implant placement were submitted to oral and radiographic examination in order to identify past history of CP or presence of PI. Volunteers were divided into 4 groups: Control (without PI and CP, n=72), CP (with CP and without PI, n=28), PI (with PI and without CP, n=28) and diseased (with CP and PI, n=35). The chi-square test correlated genotypes in specific regions of MMP13 (rs2252070), TIMP2 (rs7501477) and TGFB3 (rs2268626) genes, considering the interaction between CP and PI. The results showed that volunteers with CP had 3.2 times more susceptibility to develop PI (p=0.0004) compared to those without CP. No significant association was observed in MMP13, TIMP2 and TGFB3 genes with CP or PI. CP is a risk factor to develop PI, however, there is no association of both diseases with polymorphisms in the MMP13, TIMP2 and TGFB3 genes.

Resumo Indivíduos susceptíveis à periodontite crônica (CP) apresentam alto risco para o desenvolvimento de periimplantite (PI). Ambas doenças são multifatoriais e apresentam similaridades na patofisiologia e perfil poligênico. A MMP-13 (metaloproteinase da matriz tipo 13) é uma enzima colagenolítica cuja expressão é induzida por TGF beta 3 (fator transformador do crescimento tipo 3) nos fibroblastos gengivais humanos e inibida por TIMP-2 (inibidor tecidual de metaloproteinase tipo 2). O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a ocorrência de periimplantite em sujeitos com periodontite crônica e a frequência dos polimorfismos nos genes MMP13, TIMP2 e TGFB3. Cento e sessenta e três voluntários submetidos à instalação de implantes endósseos foram analisados clínica e radiograficamente quanto à presença de histórico de CP e PI, sendo divididos em 4 grupos: Controle (sem história de CP e PI, n=72), CP (com CP e sem PI, n=28), PI (com PI e sem CP, n=28) e Doentes (com CP e PI, n=35). O teste do qui-quadrado correlacionou os genótipos nas regiões dos genes MMP13 (rs2252070), TIMP2 (rs7501477) e TGFB3 (rs2268626), considerando a interação entre CP e PI. Os resultados mostraram que voluntários com CP possuem 3.2 vezes mais chances de desenvolver PI (p=0.0004) comparados aos sem CP. Nenhuma associação significativa foi observada entre os genes MMP13, TIMP2 e TGFB3 e CP ou PI. A CP é um fator de risco ao desenvolvimento de PI, no entanto, não há associação entre ambas as doenças com polimorfismos nos genes MMP13, TIMP2 e TGFB3.

Thalidomide Effects in Patients with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia During Therapeutic Treatment and in Fli-EGFP Transgenic Zebrafish Model / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant disease characterized by recurrent epistaxis, mucocutaneous telangiectasia, and arteriovenous malformations. The efficacy of traditional treatments for HHT is very limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic role of thalidomide in HHT patients and the effect in FLI-EGFP transgenic zebrafish model.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>HHT was diagnosed according to Shovlin criteria. Five HHT patients were treated with thalidomide (100 mg/d). The Epistaxis Severity Score (ESS), telangiectasia spots, and hepatic computed tomography angiography (CTA) were used to assess the clinical efficacy of thalidomide. The Fli-EGFP zebrafish model was investigated for the effect of thalidomide on angiogenesis. Dynamic real-time polymerase chain reaction assay, ELISA and Western blotting from patient's peripheral blood mononuclear cells and plasma were used to detect the expression of transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGF-β3) messenger RNA (mRNA) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein before and after 6 months of thalidomide treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The average ESS before and after thalidomide were 6.966 ± 3.093 and 1.799 ± 0.627, respectively (P = 0.009). The "telangiectatic spot" on the tongue almost vanished; CTA examination of case 2 indicated a smaller proximal hepatic artery and decreased or ceased hepatic artery collateral circulation. The Fli-EGFP zebrafish model manifested discontinuous vessel development and vascular occlusion (7 of 10 fishes), and the TGF-β3 mRNA expression of five patients was lower after thalidomide therapy. The plasma VEGF protein expression was down-regulated in HHT patients.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Thalidomide reverses telangiectasia and controls nosebleeds by down-regulating the expression of TGF-β3 and VEGF in HHT patients. It also leads to vascular remodeling in the zebrafish model.</p>

In Vivo Cartilage Formation Using Human Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Mixed with Fibrin Glue / 대한정형외과연구학회지

PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility of in vivo cartilage formation by direct injection the chondrogenic undifferentiated human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) mixed with fibrin glue including TGF-beta3. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Chondrogenic differentiation induced hBMSCs for 14 days (control group-2) and undifferentiated hBMSCs combined with TGF-beta3 mixed (experimental group-3) with fibrin glue and fibrin glue only (control group-1) were injected subcutanteously into the back of nude mouse. For evaluation of the cartilage-like tissue formed after 8 weeks after injection, real time PCR, histological analysis and immunohistochemical analysis were used. RESULTS: Control group-1 did not form any visible mass. Control group-2 as well as experimental group-3 could form new cartilage-like tissue which were demonstrated expression of type II collagen by real-time PCR, histology analysis such as H&E staining, MT staining and type II collagen specific immunohistologic analysis. As results, expression of type II collagen was shown in the both groups. CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed that cartilage-like tissues could be formed in subcutaneous layer of nude mouse by direct injection mixed with fibrin glue including TGF-beta3 without chondrogenic-induction of hBMSCs, suggesting that these model could be suitable for preliminary studies or optimizing experiments to evaluate reconstruction of cartilage.

Fibrin Scaffolds Designing in order to Human Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Differentiation to Chondrocytes in the Presence of TGF-beta3

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: One of the most cellular source used for cartilage tissue engineering are mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In present study, human MSCs were used as cellular source. Since scaffold plays an important role in tissue engineering the aim of this study is to assess fibrin scaffold ability in chondrogenic differentiation of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs). METHODS: ADMSCs were isolated and cultured in DMEM medium supplemented with 10% FBS. Also ADMSCs expanded and characterised by flow cytometry. ADMSCs expressed CD44, CD90, CD105 but not CD34. After trypsinization, cells were entered within the fibrin scaffold. Then, chondrogenic medium was added to the scaffold. Seven days after cell culture, cell viability and proliferation were assessed by MTT test. Finally, 14 days after the ending of chondrogenic differentiation, analysis of chondrogenic genes expression was evaluated by RT-PCR and Real time PCR. Also, formation and development of chondrocyte cells was analysed by histological and immunohistochemistry evaluations. RESULTS: Viability and proliferation as well as chondrogenic genes expression within fibrin scaffold increased significantly compared with control group (cells free scaffold). Also, histological and immunohistochemistry evaluation showed that chondrocyte cells and collagen type II are formed on fibrin scaffold. CONCLUSIONS: Fibrin is a suitable scaffold for chondrogenic differentiation of ADMSCs.

Analysis between transforming growth factor beta3 gene sfaNI polymorphism variant and non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in people of Uygur's nationality and Han's in Xinjiang / 生物医学工程学杂志

The present study was aimed to explore the relationship of transforming growth factor (TGF) beta3 gene SfaNI polymorphism (rs3917201 locus) and non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) in people of the Uygur's Nationality and Han's in Xinjiang, China. TGFbeta3 gene fragment including SfaNI was amplified and purified as the template of the primer extension reaction thenafter. The single base extension reaction was carried out u sing SNP specific extension primer. The products were purified and analyzed by MALDI-TOF. The test showed that there were not significantly different frequencies of AA, AG, GG genotypes and alleles between the whole NSCL/P group and the whole control group (P > 0.05). Within the Uygurs or Hans, the frequencies of genotypes between the whole NSCL/P group and the whole control group were not significantly different (P > 0.05). The distributions of the A, G alleles between the NSCL/P group and the control group were not significantly different within the Uygurs (P > 0.05), but significant different within the Hans (P < 0.05). In all the NSCL/P patients, frequencies of genotypes and alleles were not significantly different between Uygurs and Hans (P > 0.05), and not significantly different (P > 0.05) either between Uygurs and Hans in all the healthy persons. The results proved that TGFbeta3 gene SfaNI polymorphism may not be related to NSCL/P in Xinjiang Uygur people, while the occurrence of NSCL/P in Han population may be related to frequency of the A and G allele of SfaNI polymorphism.

Effects of electromagnetic pulses on apoptosis and TGF-β3 expression of mouse testis tissue / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of electromagnetic pulses (EMP) on the apoptosis and transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGF-β3) expression of mouse testis tissue.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty-two male BALB/c mice were randomly and equally divided into one control group and three EMP treated groups, which were whole-body exposed to EMP at 200 kV/m with 100, 200, and 400 pulses, respectively. The control group received no treatment. The pathological changes and cell apoptosis in testis tissue were analyzed by TUNEL assay. The mRNA expression of TGF-β3 in testis tissue was determined by RT-PCR, and the protein expression of TGF-β3 was determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>No obvious pathological changes were found in testis tissue after EMP exposure at 200 kV/m with 100 and 200 pulses. However, after EMP exposure with 400 pulses, degeneration and shedding of testis tissue, accompanied by significant increase in apoptosis rate (P < 0.05), was observed. The RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot showed that the expression of TGF-β3 mRNA and protein increased significantly after EMP exposure with 400 pulses as compared with that of the control group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EMP exposure at 200 kV/m with 400 pulses increases the incidence of apoptosis and expression of TGF-β3 in mouse testis tissue, which is potentially one of the mechanisms by which EMP increases blood-testis barrier permeability in mice.</p>

Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin-induced cleft palate because of partial loss of cell polarity to interfere with apoptosis during early developmental stage / 中华口腔医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>In this study, folic acid (FA) was tested for antiteratogenic effects on Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD)-induced cleft palate in fetal mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>In the present study, pregnant mice were dosed with TCDD 24 µg/kg and with or without FA 5 mg/kg body weight on gestation day 10. Control group mice received sesame oil 50 ml/kg body weight on gestation day(GD)10. The mice were sacrificed on GD12.5, GD13.5, GD14.5, GD15.5 and GD16.5. From each pregnant mouse on GD16.5, embryos were obtained to examine under a dissecting microscope, and routine histology was performed for detection and classification of palatal clefts. The fetuses were prepared for histologic examination, scanning electron microscope and TdT-mediated X-dUTP nick and labeling (TUNEL). On GD12.5, GD13.5, GD14.5 and GD15.5. Meanwhile, real-time (RT)-PCR was employed to detect the mRNA expression levels about arylhydrocarbon receptor (AHR) and transforming growth factor (TGF)β3 in this animal model.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Total frequencies of clefts were 70.2% in TCDD group(group B) and 66.3% in TCDD+FA group(group C) in relation to control fetuses(group A). Filopodia disappeared completely at the medial edge epithelia surface on GD15.5 (group A), GD12.5 (group B) and GD14.5 (group C). the RT-PCR results showed that TGF -β3 expression was down-regulated on GD13.5 and GD14.5 compared to the control.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>It is found that folic acid has no protects agaist 2.3.7.8-TCDD-indued cleft palate in the experiment. Meanwhile, TCDD repressed the TGF-β3 expression during the palatal development. Anormal apoptosis was induced by 2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD at the medial edge epithelia (MEE) during the early development stage.</p>

Promotion of chondrogenesis of marrow stromal stem cells by TGF-β3 fusion protein in vivo. corrected / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

The purpose of this study was to investigate the repair of the osteoarthritis(OA)-induced cartilage injury by transfecting the new TGF-β3 fusion protein (LAP-MMP-mTGF-β3) with targeted therapy function into the bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in rats. The recombinant of pIRES-EGFP-MMP was constructed by combination of DNA encoding MMP enzyme cutting site and eukaryotic expression vector pIRES-EGFP. LAP and mTGF-β3 fragments were obtained from rat embryos by RT-PCR and inserted into the upstream and downstream of MMP from pIRES-EGFP-MMP respectively, so as to construct the recombinant plasmid of pIRES-EGFP-LAP-MMP-mTGF-β3. pIRES-EGFP-LAP-MMP-mTGF-β3 was transfected into rat MSCs. The genetically modified MSCs were cultured in medium with MMP-1 or not. The transfected MSCs were transplanted in the rat OA models. The OA animal models were surgically induced by anterior cruciate ligament transaction (ACLT). The pathological changes were observed under a microscope by HE staining, Alcian blue, Safranin-fast Green and graded by Mankin's scale. pIRES-EGFP-LAP-MMP-mTGF-β3 was successfully constructed by means of enzyme cutting and sequencing, and the mTGF-β3 fusion protein (39 kD) was certified by Western blotting. Those genetically modified MSCs could differentiate into chondrocytes induced by MMP and secrete the relevant-matrix. The transfected MSCs could promote chondrogenesis and matrix production in rat OA models in vivo. It was concluded that a new fusion protein LAP-MMP-mTGF-β3 was constructed successfully by gene engineering, and could be used to repair the OA-induced cartilage injury.

Induction of chondrogenesis of adipose-derived stem cells by novel recombinant TGF-β3 fusion protein / 华中科技大学学报（医学）（英德文版）

A new type of TGF-β3 fusion protein with targeted therapy function was constructed, and its feasibility and target specificity of inducing chondrogenesis were investigated by transfecting LAP-MMP-mTGF-β3 gene into adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). The recombinant pIRES-EGFP-MMP was constructed by inserting the sense and antisense DNA of encoding the amino acid of the synthetic MMP enzyme cutting site into the eukaryotic expression vector pIRES-EGFP. LAP and mTGF-β3 fragments were obtained by using RT-PCR and inserted into the upstream and downstream of MMP from pIRES-EGFP-MMP respectively, and the recombinant plasmid of pIRES-EGFP-LAP-MMP-mTGF-β3 was constructed, which was transferred to ADSCs. The ADSCs were cultured and divided in three groups: experimental group (MMP group), negative control group (no MMP) and non-transfection group. The morphological changes were observed microscopically, and the expression of proteoglycan and type II collagen (ColII) was detected by using Alcian blue staining and immunohistochemistry staining at 7th, 14th and 21st day after culture. The recombinant plasmid of pIRES-EGFP-LAP-MMP-mTGF-β3 was correctly constructed by methods of enzyme cutting and sequencing analysis. The mTGF-β3 fusion protein was successfully expressed after transfection, and in the presence of the MMP, active protein mTGF-β3 was generated, which significantly promoted differentiation of ADSCs into chondrocytes and the expression of cartilage matrix. The novel fusion protein LAP-MMP-mTGF-β3 can targetedly induce differentiation of ADSCs into chondrocytes, which would open up prospects for target therapy of cartilage damage repair in future.

Analysis of Molecular Expression in Adipose Tissue-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells : Prospects for Use in the Treatment of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have shown encouraging progress toward the use of autogenic and allogenic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to arrest, or even lead to partial regeneration in, intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration. However, this technology is still in its infancy, and further development is required. The aim of this study was to analyze whether rat adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSC) can differentiate towards IVD-like cells after treatment with transforming growth factor beta3 (TGF-beta3) in vitro. We also performed quantitative analysis of gene expression for ADMSC only, ADMSCs treated with TGF-beta3, and co-cultured ADMSCs treated with TGF-beta3. METHODS: ADMSCs were sub-cultured to homogeneity and used in fluorocytometry assays for CD11, CD45, and CD90/Thy1. ADMSCs were differentiated in spheroid culture towards the chondrogenic lineage by the presence of TGF-beta3, dexamethasone, and ascorbate. We also co-cultured pure ADMSCs and nucleus pulposus cells in 24-well plates, and performed immunohistochemical staining, western blotting, and RT-PCR for quantitativeanalysis of gene expression. RESULTS: Results of fluorocytometry were positive for CD90/Thy1 and negative for CD11 and CD45. TGF-beta3-mediated induction of ADMSCs led to the expression of the differentiation markers of intervertebral disc-like cells, such as aggrecan, collagen II, and sox-9. Co-cultured ADMSCs treated with TGF-beta3 showed higher expression of differentiation markers and greater extracellular matrix production compared with ADMSCs treated with TGF-beta3 alone. CONCLUSION: ADMSC treated with TGF-beta3 may be an attractive source for regeneration therapy in degenerative IVD. These findings may also help elucidate the pathologic mechanism of MSC therapy in the degeneration of IVD in vivo.

Chondrogenesis of periodontal ligament stem cells by transforming growth factor-β3 and bone morphogenetic protein-6 in a normal healthy impacted third molar / 国际口腔科学杂志·英文版

The periodontal ligament-derived mesenchymal stem cell is regarded as a source of adult stem cells due to its multipotency. However, the proof of chondrogenic potential of the cells is scarce. Therefore, we investigated the chondrogenic differentiation capacity of periodontal ligament derived mesenchymal stem cells induced by transforming growth factor (TGF)-β3 and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-6. After isolation of periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) from human periodontal ligament, the cells were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (DMEM) with 20% fetal bovine serum (FBS). A mechanical force initiated chondrogenic differentiation of the cells. For chondrogenic differentiation, 10 µg·L⁻¹ TGF-β3 or 100 µg∙L⁻¹ BMP-6 and the combination treating group for synergistic effect of the growth factors. We analyzed the PDLSCs by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and chondrogenesis were evaluated by glycosaminoglycans assay, histology, immunohistochemistry and genetic analysis. PDLSCs showed mesenchymal stem cell properties proved by FACS analysis. Glycosaminoglycans contents were increased 217% by TGF-β3 and 220% by BMP-6. The synergetic effect of TGF-β3 and BMP-6 were shown up to 281% compared to control. The combination treatment increased Sox9, aggrecan and collagen II expression compared with not only controls, but also TGF-β3 or BMP-6 single treatment dramatically. The histological analysis also indicated the chondrogenic differentiation of PDLSCs in our conditions. The results of the present study demonstrate the potential of the dental stem cell as a valuable cell source for chondrogenesis, which may be applicable for regeneration of cartilage and bone fracture in the field of cell therapy.

Effects of cAMP-response element binding protein-1 (CREB-1) on transforming growth factor-b3 (TGFb3) mRNA expression and promoter activity in hepatic stellate cells / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of cAMP-response element binding protein-1 (CREB-1) on transforming growth factor-b3 (TGF b3) mRNA expression and promoter activity in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Freshly isolated HSCs from rats were divided into six groups: CREB-1 expression plasmid transfected group (C), siRNA-CREB-1 plasmid transfected group (S), negative control group (N), forskolin treated group (F), H-89 treated group (H), and blank group (B). Rats in each group were further sub-divided according to whether (+) or not (-) they were exposed to exogenous TGF b3. TGF b3 mRNA expression was measured by real time quantitative PCR. HSCs of the C, S, N, F, H and B groups were transfected with the TGF b3 promoter luciferase reporter plasmid (PGL3-TGF b3-P; W group), the TGF b3 promoter luciferase reporter plasmid with CRE mutation (PGL3-basic-TGF b3P-mCRE; M group) and the renilla luciferase control plasmid (pRL-SV40; control group). TGF b3 promoter activity was assessed by luciferase reporter assays.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared to N(-), the TGF b3 mRNA expression was reduced to 0.69+/-0.15 in S(-) (P less than 0.05) and increased to 4.68+/-2.76 in C(-) (P more than 0.05). Compared to B(-), the TGF b3 mRNA expression was reduced to 0.57+/-0.08 in H(-) (P less than 0.05). The differences between N(+) and N(-), S(+) and S(-), B(+) and B(-), and H(+) and H(-) were all significant (P less than 0.05). The values of TGF b3 promoter activity in S(W), N(W), and C(W) were 0.062+/-0.013, 0.122+/-0.011, and 0.165+/-0.016 (P less than 0.05), but the changes of TGF b3 promoter activity in S(M), N(M), and C(M) were not significant (P more than 0.05). The values of TGF b3 promoter activity in H(W), B(W), and F(W) were 0.154+/-0.010, 0.188+/-0.016, and 0.276+/-0.031 (P less than 0.05), but the changes of TGF b3 promoter activity in H(M), B(M), and F(M) were not significant (P more than 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Increased levels of CREB-1 mRNA or p-CREB-1 up-regulate the TGF b3 mRNA expression and promoter activity in rat HSCs. The CRE site in the TGF b3 promoter is critical for this effect, and the gene's activity becomes significantly decreased when the site is missing. Exogenous TGF b3 enhances expression of endogenous TGF b3 in rat HSCs.</p>